Of course, when I say Backyard, I mean our collective backyard here in the University District!

Have you ever wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes at a place like our own Burke Museum? Filled with over 15 millions things amassed over the past 129 years, there are some surprising stories to tell about those amazing objects!

Visitors will be able to view objects from all of the museum’s collections—on display together for the first time. They will learn about how researchers from Washington state and around the world have been using Burke collections to answer pressing questions for the past 129 years—and the exciting possibilities collections can unlock in the future.

So if you have been wondering why museums have all these things –where do they come from — and what are they used for? Visit the Burke Museum between April 12 and October 26.This Remarkable exhibit will reveal some surprising stories to many complex questions.

Highlights include:

Volcanic ash in a Chianti bottle
A 2,000-year-old sandal that’s still in style
Fossils that can predict the future
Seattle’s first coffee mug

The Burke Museum is located on the University of Washington campus, at the corner of NE 45th St. and 17th Ave. NE. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily, and until 8 pm on first Thursdays. Admission: $10 general, $8 senior, $7.50 student/ youth. Admission is free to children four and under, Burke members, UW students, faculty, and staff. Admission is free to the public on the first Thursday of each month. Prorated parking fees are $15 and partially refundable upon exit if paid in cash. Call 206-543-5590 or visit www.burkemuseum.org. The Burke Museum is an American Alliance of Museums-accredited museum and a Smithsonian Affiliate. To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at: 206.543.6450 (voice), 206.543.6452 (TTY), 206.685.7264 (fax), or email at dso@u.washington.edu. The University of Washington makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least 10 days.